Wiltshire

The Republic of Wiltshire
Motto	Forever Forward
Capital	Wiltshire City
Language	English, German
Demonym(s)	Wiltshirian
Government
Prime Minister	Audrick Hill AM
Governor-General	Francis Del-Paciso
Legislature	Unicameral Parliament
Information
GDP	TBC
Population	TBC
GDP Per Capita	TBC

The Republic of Wiltshire is a parliamentary republic in the south of Doggerland comprised the four cities of Wiltshire, Estasine, Walkerton and Washington.

Wiltshire is a historically powerful regional nation, with ties all the way back to the Terran Federation. Former Federation President Jaresh Inyo was the first Prime Minister of the then city state, which went onto enclose neighbouring towns and villages. In December 3018, the major city of Washington E.R joined the republic, uniting its government with Wiltshire's, forming the Federal Republic of Wiltshire.

History

Formation

Following the collapse of the Terran Federation, many refugees under the leadership of ex-president Jaresh Inyo settled in southern Doggerland. The decision to settle there was due to its naturally flat land and easy access to fresh water reserves from the Almere Valley, making agriculture a lot easier. In addition to this, mass oil reserves were found beneath the second major settlement in Estasine, making it an oil rich nation, however in recent years the value of this has been diminishing.

Depression

The Economic depression hit Doggerland hard, however Wiltshire was spared much of the pain due to the isolationist policies of Prime Minister David Loynd. Loynd's Conservative Government followed the Jellico-Doctrine of economic independence and self-sustainability.

Though the nation still saw economic hardship, it was nowhere near as devastating as in some parts of middle-Doggerland. Wiltshire's position coming out of the depression made it the most economically stable and strong nations in Doggerland.

Eddington and Socialism

Following the Depression, Wiltshirians were shown a very gruesome reality of life in Wiltshire. While the nation as a whole was able to strongly survive the depression, many in the lower classes were not so fortunate. Starvation, homelessness and absolute poverty were just some of the issues caused by the depression, and at the lowest point, 9 million were considered at risk of starving to death.

This leapt many into action. Frank Eddington was elected the leader of the Socialist Party in 3015 and changed the image of the party from a stale old ideology that hadn't won an election in years to a new, bold and progressive party. Adopting many policies that were extremely popular with the electorate.

In early 3016, Prime Minister David Loynd was defeated by Frank Eddington's Socialists in a landslide election. Wiltshire became a socialist state, becoming closer with states like the Almere Republic. Eddington began to implement social reforms never before seen in southern Doggerland. Universal Healthcare, universal basic income, free social housing and the establishment of the largest welfare state in history.

Eddington continued his popularity for a record three years in office, however the success of his early administration did not continue. Eddington suffered from poor health and in 3017 had a stroke, followed by another in early 3018. Eddington became a lame duck. Many wanted to see a new Socialist Leader take over, however the party was severely divided. No new leader could take the reigns without the other half of the party breaking away. Eddington was the only one to lead the party to continued success, and in 3018 he won his last General Election, this time falling short of an overall majority.

The debate continues, with many claiming that Socialism has failed Wiltshire (due to the rise of economic and social problems) and others claiming it saved the nation from a hole too deep to climb out of.

In late 3018, Prime Minister Eddington resigned due to poor health. The Socialist Party fell into utter chaos. The leadership was no longer able to command the support of the National Assembly. Audrick Hill, the leader of the opposition, became the first Conservative Prime Minister in three years and formed a minority government, without a general election.

Politics

National Assembly

The National Assembly of the Republic of Wiltshire is comprised of 53 elected Assembly Members (AM) from the four cities. Here is the current make up of the National Assembly as of (1/1/18)

The current Government of Wiltshire is led by Conservative Audrick Hill AM. Hill leads a minority government with the support of the Wiltshire First Party and the Liberal Alliance Party. The main opposition is the Socialist Party, led by Harris Fleming AM.